Story perspectives

EU Asylum Applications Plummet 30%; Germany Sees 50% Drop

8/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

First-time asylum applications in the EU fell by 30% in May 2025, with Germany experiencing a nearly 50% decline.
Venezuelans submitted the most new asylum claims, followed by applicants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Syria.
Spain had the highest total of initial applications, while Greece led in per capita rates.
Follow-up applications increased by 20% year-over-year, influenced by a European Court of Justice ruling on Afghan women's oppression.
Germany's new government plans to cap annual immigration at under 100,000.

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Story summary

First-time asylum applications in the EU fell by 30% in May 2025, with Germany experiencing a nearly 50% decline.
Venezuelans submitted the most new asylum claims, followed by applicants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Syria.
Spain had the highest total of initial applications, while Greece led in per capita rates.
Follow-up applications increased by 20% year-over-year, influenced by a European Court of Justice ruling on Afghan women's oppression.
Germany's new government plans to cap annual immigration at under 100,000.